Community raises funds for Washtucna museum

WASHTUCNA - A boxed dinner and silent auction proved successful in raising needed funds for the Washtucna Heritage Museum and Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The annual event at Bassett Park took on some new twists this year with social distancing restrictions in place.

Board member Karin Clinesmith said 107 dinners were ordered from caterers Rollin' Coal Barbecue.

"That was really great, because it was opening day of hunting season, so we had three hunting clubs order meals," Clinesmith said. "About 37 of the meals were for hunters."

Clinesmith said 37 items were donated to bid on, including a handmade cradle of Kentucky cedar.

That item didn't sell, along with four other donations, including a large curio cabinet.

Clinesmith said they would figure out another way to sell those items, perhaps by posting them on the online Ritzville Yardsales Facebook page.

She said $3 raffle tickets are being sold for four other items - a 1942 radio refurbished by Randy Flyckt; a tractor-trailer challenge race track for kids 8 years and older donated by Love's Travel Stop; a Case Combine farm toy 1/16th of the original size with moving parts donated by Jones Truck and Implement in Colfax; and an electronics basket donated by Gigamedics including wireless headphones, mouse and pad, dust spray and a $75 gift certificate.

The raffle will take place in mid-December. To purchase a ticket, contact any board member or call Karin Clinesmith at 509-887-2434.